Today on my adventure I saw four bunnies near the bike path; they scampered across as I rode along the canal near the beach. Later, at the bathhouse, I saw three white swans and lots of little black birds on the sea.
I started my outing by pedaled over to my favorite swim spot, Scaniabadet, just to see how rough the water was, and I have to tell you, it was clearly not a day for open water swimming. This old girls knows her limits. Not hospitable!
Then I rode over the other beach, Ribersborgsstranden, which doesn’t get such big waves. I figured I would ride to the bathhouse, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, and ask them if I could swim in their bathing areas and use their lockers rooms. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t insulting the bathing culture (here, you go in naked, get out, then sit in the sauna), but the nice folks working there assured me that it was ok for me to suit up in my wettest and spend time in the water. They also said that I wasn’t the only one to swim there in a wetsuit. It’s my only safe option here, so I’m glad I have permission.
I’m amazed by how much the sea has changed in just 10 days. The shallow water is frozen, the less shallow water is slushy. The canals are covered with a thin layer of ice.
I’m surprised by how beatiful it all looked, and it me think of MN. I left MN years ago, sick of snow and ice and cold air. But it was 15 F today with the wind chill, and I felt fine. I bundled up: merino base layers (top and long underwear), fleece pants, insulated biking shorts, merino hoody, windbreaker vest, insulation jacket, merino neck warmer, Hestra glove liners, leather mittens, and my swim hat. And wool socks. I was almost too warm. But it really pays off to have those windproof layers when I’m riding home into the wind. They are so effective at blocking the impact. Also nice that the merino layers wick away sweat and manage my body temperature.
I am still not over this weird virus I have been grappling with for six weeks, but I am feeling much better. Took a dive yesterday and pigged out on about 10,000 calories of nuts, chips, chocolate. Today’s was about burning some calories and getting my head back into healthy choices.
Now I’m exhausted and gonna make some broccoli.
If you have a bike, ride it! If not, go for a walk!
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